A Truck for the Fort Smith Light & Traction #205

    In 1979 the history of the Fort Smith Streetcars was published by the Fort Smith Historical Society. Shortly thereafter, Jack Alexander donated the Fort Smith Light and Traction Co 205 which was used as a play house behind his fathers home in Mulberry, Arkansas. This was the beginning of the Fort Smith Trolley Museum.

    The body was restored and placed on mobile home wheels. For many years it was pulled in parades, displayed at different locations and used as the primary fundraising tool for the museum. It was desired to return the car to operation but the proper Cincinnati 139 truck did not exist, to our knowledge, anywhere in the world.

    We obtained the patent drawings for the truck and brake system. Cincinnati built the truck by fabrication and will not be too hard to reproduce. Until recently, the motors, wheels and axle sets were not readily available. Gromaco Trolley of Ida Grove, Iowa has imported cars and parts from Milan, Italy. The motor wheel sets will work to build the Cincinnati 139 truck.

    We have an agreement to purchase from Gomaco a truck with 2 motors that have been checked out and wheels that have new tires to match our track for $12,500 plus shipping. We estimate the total cost of building the truck to be $35,000.

The 20th Century Electric Railway foundation has granted a $4,000 matching grant to be used for this purpose. The funds for the grant have been matched, but the remainder of the cost has not yet been financed.

    Completion of this truck will allow the complete restoration of the 205. It will be the only restored Cincinnati Car Company Birney, the second restored Fort
Smith Car and the 3rd car in the Arkansas collection. Your Donation will make this a reality.

Fort Smith Light & Traction Co 205 Truck Fund

Please print this form and mail with your check or money order to:
Fort SmithTrolley Museum
100 South 4^th Street Amount _____________________
Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901

Name ___________________________________________________

Address _________________________________________________

Town, state, zip____________________________________________

The Fort Smith Streetcar Restoration Ass’n , Inc is a 501vC3 tax exempt Organization

Fort Smith Trolley Museum
100 South 4th Street
Fort Smith, Arkansas, 72901
(479) 783-0205
fstm@mynewroads.com

Owned and Operated By:
Fort Smith Streetcar Restoration Association, Inc.
2121 Wolfe Lane
Fort Smith, AR 72901